CRYSTAL OF THE MONTH

The days have been getting even shorter since the Autumn Equinox (Mabon) and the clocks going backwards on Halloween (Samhain) we’re fast approaching Winter Solstice (Yule) the shortest day of the year - I also wanted to share some ancient background to some of the traditions that we still use to this day.

Winter Solstice/Yule Grid

White wands at outer edges
SELENITE:
Cleansing & purifying.
It’s icy look is fabulous for winter decoration, it is cleansing and also brings us peace and tranquility 🕊
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Orange pebbles:
CARNELIAN:
Vitality. Regeneration. A powerhouse of dynamic fiery energy - the return of the Sun.
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Paler green chips
AVENTURINE:
Stone of opportunity. Abundance. Luck. Prosperity. Strengthens willpower. Assists relaxation, regeneration & recovery.
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Darker green chips
MALACHITE
The healer. Timeless wisdom. Change.  Journeys.
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Small round deep red crystals
GARNET:
Protective and supportive. Energising and regenerating. Fortifies that inner fire. Goddess energy of Mother Earth.
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Points at N, E, S & W
CLEAR QUARTZ:
Master healer. Energy transmitter. Amplifies the energies of any surrounding crystals.
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Winter Solstice/Yule/Yuletide this year is 21st December (the date occasionally changes)
The longest night of the year, darkness has reached its peak.
Now we can celebrate the festival of rebirth & return of the Sun!

Yule traditions:
Decorate the home and make wreaths with evergreens:
IVY:
Immortality.
YEW:
Regeneration & rebirth
PINE: Healing & Joy in the home. Burning it will purify.
HOLLY:
Protector. Symbolises everlasting life, goodwill and potent life energy. It’s red berries represent feminine blood.
MISTLETOE:
Healer & protector. The white berries represent male fertility.
HOLLY & MISTLETOE:
Together represent the Sacred Marriage at this time of year with the rebirth of the Sun/Son.
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In ancient Rome, pine trees were an essential part of the Goddess groves. On the eve of the Midwinter Solstice, Roman priests would cut down a pine tree, decorate it and carry it ceremonially to the temple celebrations. People decked their homes with boughs of evergreen trees and bushes in pots. Pines and firs were cherished as a symbol of rebirth and life in the depth of winter. Families would bring a live tree into the home so the wood spirits would have somewhere safe & warm to live over the cold winter - food and treats were hung on the branches for the spirits to eat.
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CANDLES:
This is the festival of light out of darkness and the tradition of lighting candles is still popular. Traditional colours for the season are Red & green, and don’t forget the Gold for the Return (or Birth) of the Sun (or Son!!!)
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